Even though our dental office can treat every type of dental problem you can imagine, we’d rather our patients not experience those problems in the first place! That’s why we have a strong prevention program that enables us to stop tooth decay and gum disease altogether. With regular exams, cleanings, and advanced technology, we can give you a set of teeth that you never have to worry about. Contact us today so we can start safeguarding your smile with preventive dentistry in Jacksonville, FL.
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
Even people who brush and floss diligently miss certain areas of their mouth, which allows plaque and tartar to build up that can lead to cavities. Professional cleanings give our team the chance to find and tackle these trouble spots, and our dentists can also examine the mouth for any signs of decay, damage, or infection. With just two appointments each year, we can help you avoid advanced dental issues and take care of minor ones as early and conservatively as possible.
Dentistry for Children
Professional dental care is essential for people of all ages, but it’s especially important for children, as their enamel is softer than an adult’s, and they are still learning to brush. Both of these factors make children very susceptible to cavities, but we can help our younger patients by providing gentle checkups and cleanings as well as education on how to look after their smiles at home. We can teach them things that they will benefit from for the rest of their lives.
Dental Sealants
The first place most people develop a cavity is on one of their back teeth. Why? Because the rough surfaces of the molars easily trap plaque and bacteria, and they can be quite tricky to clean thoroughly while brushing (especially for children). With a dental sealant, however, we can cover these teeth with a thin layer of dental plastic. This essentially shields them from anything that could lead to decay.
Fluoride Treatment
Everyone should be exposed to fluoride daily, whether it’s through their tap water or the toothpaste they use. This common mineral actually fortifies enamel and makes it more resistant to cavities, and it has even been shown to repair areas of minor decay. If you or your child could benefit from more fluoride, we can apply it topically as part of your dental cleanings. The product we use is much stronger than anything you’ll find on store shelves, and it can help keep the teeth healthy between professional cleanings.
Nightguards for Teeth Grinding
Up to 1 in 3 Americans unconsciously grind their teeth while they are asleep, which is called bruxism. Over time, this can wear down the enamel, cause it to crack, and even strain the sensitive jaw joint, leading to pain and headaches. To help our patients with this issue rest easy, we can provide them with a custom-made nightguard to wear to bed. Small and comfortable, this oral appliance places a thin barrier between the rows of teeth so they can’t come together and accidentally damage themselves.